Connecting for Life - Galway, Mayo & Roscommon

Minister Ciarán Cannon launched Connecting for Life Galway, Mayo and Roscommon – a new suicide prevention and self-harm plan for the region, in December 2017. The plan sets out how Connecting for Life, Ireland’s National Strategy to Reduce Suicide 2015-2020, will be implemented locally.

The development of Connecting for Life Galway, Mayo and Roscommon was led by the HSE in partnership with many local agencies involved in suicide prevention. The strategy was informed by a public engagement process, including focus groups with key stakeholders and priority groups. A photography competition was also held to encourage people to submit photos which would reflect the goals set out in Connecting for Life, Galway, Mayo and Roscommon. Some of these images are included in the plan.

At the launch in December 2017, Minister Cannon commented:

“This Galway, Mayo and Roscommon suicide prevention plan sets out a roadmap to address suicide and self-harm. It is important that we all continue to work together, at all levels, to identify people at risk and to ensure that appropriate services are in place to provide the help and support needed. If we do this, I believe that we will achieve our goal of fewer lives lost to suicide.”

Also speaking at the launch, John Meehan, Assistant National Director, Head of National Office for Suicide Prevention, HSE Mental Health Division, said:

“Local implementation that includes empowering communities is a core component of the national Connecting for Life strategy. Local action plans are essential so as to ensure that national actions are translated to a community level. The development of Connecting for Life Galway, Mayo and Roscommon has been led by the HSE in partnership with a broad range of local agencies. The strategy was informed by an extensive consultation and public engagement process.”

“This action plan marks another significant milestone in the history of suicide prevention in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon. It is a very positive example of the way in which different organisations and groups from the statutory, voluntary and community sector can work collaboratively to achieve a common goal.”

The Connecting for Life Galway, Mayo and Roscommon plan is available for download here.